by Lynn Donovan
She watched the women until they settled next to her and then lifted her eyes to Mr. Gordon. “This is the wedding?” She croaked.
“Yes dear.” Marianne whispered. “Archie is authorized. Kind of like a captain on a ship.”
Serafina lifted her chin a notch. So, this was it. A hollow feeling pierced her tummy. The fluffy biscuits and gravy turned into gravel and mud in her gut.
“Dearly beloved.” Mr. Gordon repeated with reprimanding eyes toward Marianne, who ignored him completely and smiled sweetly. “We are gathered here today…”
Serafina turned to Agent Smith. He stared straight ahead at Gordon. Beads of sweat dotted his stoic upper lip. She smiled. Knowing he was as nervous as she made her feel better about the whole ordeal. Bending her elbow, she shoved it into his side. He jumped and turned startled eyes to her. She grinned mischievously. Confusion remained in his face for a slight moment, then it was as if he got her meaning. He chuckled, and she tucked her chin down against her chest to suppress the giggle.
Archie continued with his memorized speech, but his eyes darted between them. “I now pronounce you Man and Wife.” He paused, examining the jocularity between them. “You may kiss your bride…, or shake hands, whatever you feel comfortable doing.”
That sent them over the edge and they both busted out laughing.
Marianne giggled, but Pearl just looked confused. Archie looked annoyed. Smith leaned into Serafina and pecked a quick kiss on her cheek.
Archie shook his head. “Okay, so a taxi is waiting for yew two outside. I’ll help yew load your luggage… if you think yew can stop laughing long enough to give me a hand.”
Smith coughed to stifle the laughter. “Of course, old man. I’ll tote Miss de la Verde’s luggage.” He stopped as if a wall had suddenly been thrown up in his path. “I mean Mrs. Smith’s…”
Serafina lifted her brow and sighed. So, this is America, she thought and walked out to the taxi carriage.
Soon they were boarded on the train, in a private sleeper car, and pulled away from the station. The basket Pearl had held turned out to be food: hard cheese, bread, apples, shelled pecans, sliced carrots and four spiced muffins. The linen wrapped item turned out to be a white cake with edible blossoms stuck in the white sugar-icing wrapped in wax paper and the linen.
Serafina considered the meaning. The semblance of a wedding cake, she presumed. Her stomach was full and still irritable. She tucked it all away in the top berth. Perhaps they could enjoy it later.
Smith held the dossier in his hand and opened it like a newspaper, perusing each page, one at a time. Serafina stood to retrieve her carpet bag and pulled out a notebook and pencil. “I prefer to make my own notes before a case.”
Smith looked up as if he’d forgotten she was there. Perhaps when he perused a file, his focus was so intense that he lost track of his surroundings. Something she never did. She had been taught to split her attention so that she never lost awareness of what was going on around her or her client.
“Oh. Sure. Here.” He handed her the pages he had already read and returned to his studying the information. She smiled. Inside the private car, they were probably safe, but one never knew. She sat the notebook on her lap and the papers at her side and began reading about the information collected so far about the Whiskey Ring.
Hours later, her stomach reminded her it was midday. She set her papers aside and stood. “Pearl packed us some food. Do you want to eat?”
“Sure. But let’s go to the dining car for supper.”
“Deal.” She pulled down the basket and set it between them. They nibbled while continuing to read. “Are we going to go in as investors setting up a distillery distribution company?”
Smith smiled. “I like the way you think, Missus Smith.”
Serafina stiffened. “Mind if I ask you to call me Serafina?”
“Of course. We’ll probably change our names once we get to Missouri anyway. How about Sarah and Sam Green.”
Serafina smiled. “Brilliant.”
“I know.” He grinned. “It’s a gift.”
She cocked her head back. “Uh, I think if we want to catch the tax collectors taking a reduced amount of money and pocketing it for themselves, we should go in as investors looking to start up a new distribution company. What do you think?”
Smith smiled. “I think I’m not the only one who is brilliant. Did you read about the women involved in the political alliance? I think you could join in with them and get some excellent information about their husbands, since it looks like our suspects are high up in the political offices.”
Heat filled her cheeks. Why did this man cause such silly reactions in her heart? How much trouble would she be in with Enrique if she decided to stay… stay in America… and stay married to Todd Smith? She was born in America, raised in Mexico. That made her a citizen of both countries, didn’t it? That thought had never crossed her mind before. She grinned sheepishly at her handsome husband. “Good thing I have studied American Politics.”
CHAPTER FOUR
“Says here, our client, Benjamin Bristow, will have instructions for us when we check into the St. Louis Hotel.” Smith tucked the dossier under his arm as Serafina gathered her carpet bag and the empty basket from Pearl. The train was slowing as it approached the St. Louis depot. “We will check in under the names Sam and Sarah Green. With any luck, we’ll have time to freshen up before we meet with the Secretary of the Treasury.”
Serafina nodded and turned to the sleeper door. People were already gathering in the corridor. She didn’t want to get mangled in the crowd, so she waited in their car until the people moved down the corridor. A hot bath was on her agenda once they arrived at the hotel. To soak out the tension in her muscles was top priority. Train rides always made her stiff and achy.
Stepping onto the platform between train cars, she turned toward the hustling and bustling crowd to scan for anyone or anything that looked out of place. She always anticipated trouble. It was what had kept her and her clients alive these past five years.
And always prepared to drop her carpet bag and grab a weapon, she eased down one level when Agent Smith touched her back, indicating he was ready to descend the steps. She knew as a Pinkerton Agent he had determined there were no immediate threats and they were clear to continue.
Even though she had just met the man two days ago, the day and a half train ride had given them time to get to know one another. Having security agency service experience gave them a lot in common. She shared with him her basic rules of engagement, as did he. It was very interesting how similar their training had been. And it certainly took away the uncertainty between them as newly assigned partners for their expectations and distinctive gestures as they entered St. Louis’s crowded depot.
It also let her get through the first awkward night as a married couple. Being agents on a secret mission for the Pinkerton Agency, there was no issue with where to sleep. She stayed awake and maintained watch while he slept and he did the same while she slept. They both had breakfast in the dining car and spent the remainder of the day in their sleeper, discussing the case and their history. The more she got to know Todd Smith, the harder she thought it might be to go back home to her dull, lonely life.
But she knew she’d have to find a way to settle those feelings for him. This was a temporary assignment and a temporary marriage. Her time in America was temporary. Too bad she didn’t have a temporary heart.
The taxi pulled up to the elegant front doors of the St. Louis Hotel. A doorman in a regal red and gold uniform stepped forward and opened the carriage door. He extended his white-gloved hand to her and assisted her down. He continued to hold the door as Smith stepped down behind her. Another uniformed man climbed on top of the taxi and handed down their luggage to another who was waiting for them. It was like a well-oiled machine. Soon Serafina and Smith walked through the grand entrance with their luggage being carried for them at three paces back.
She smiled up at him. How
different this was from being secretly whisked into a back entrance under cloaks of disguise. They were already in character as a disgustingly-rich couple from New York, here to establish a new distribution company with the distilleries. Serafina held her chin high, like she had seen boorish rich people do when they were around el presidente, and suppressed a giggle.
Smith addressed the stern, slender man behind the large mahogany counter-desk. “Good afternoon, my good man. We are Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Green. We have a reservation for a luxury suite. I do hope your accommodations will be suitable for my wife. She is accustomed to the finer things in life.” He turned and wrinkled his nose at her with an adoring smile. She blew him a kiss.
The man didn’t flinch. Apparently he was accustomed to entitled guests. “Of course, Mr. Green. You and your lovely wife will find our suites pleasing to a delicate sense of decorum.”
He wrote in a large leather-bound ledger and then turned it around on a gliding swivel for Smith to sign. Waiting while he did so, the man held a key and a small envelope to his chest. It bore a dark wax seal. “Here is your key and a message for you, Mr. Green.”
The maître d’hotel tapped a fingertip twice on a counter bell. Two young men in red and gold, less formal, uniforms jumped and ran to Smith’s side. “These bell boys will bring your luggage. Is there anything else I can do for you, sir?”
Smith broke the seal and looked at the handwritten message. He nodded. “I believe that will do—”
Serafina tugged at Smith’s sleeve and whispered in his ear, “Do we have time to freshen up before our meeting?”
Smith nodded, confirming the letter had indicated there was time, then he turned back to the man. “Uh, my wife wishes to take a luxurious hot bath, do you have soaker tubs available?”
“Oh, yes, indeed. And a chamber maid if she wishes.”
“That would be acceptable. Can you arrange for that in our suite as quickly as possible? My wife is weary from our train ride.”
“It is our pleasure, Mrs. Green.” He dropped his eyes to look at something under the counter. “Angela will be up with your bath in less than thirty minutes. I believe you will find her exceptionally skilled at serving your chamber needs.”
Serafina expressed her approval with a nod and tilt of her head.
Smith took Serafina’s hand and placed it at his elbow. They walked together up the wide, carpeted stairs. Two bell boys lugged their trunks and carpet bags behind the staircase and disappeared through a corridor. Serafina drew in a deep, satisfying breath. She could get used to this.
“What time are we having dinner, dear?” She asked quietly, although she did not reveal who they were having dinner with, in case anyone around her had exceptional hearing.
“Seven. Will that give you enough time to rest and dress for dinner, m’love?”
Hearing his words of endearment, even though she knew he was in character, sent her heart on a winged flight. She smiled. In character or not, she couldn’t help her jubilation. “Yes, dear. You are too kind.”
He patted her hand as they continued the four flights to their luxury rooms. The bell boys were waiting for them at the suite entrance. Smith unlocked the door and escorted Serafina in. The young men pulled the luggage into the outer common room and paused. “Would you like us to put your trunks in the bed chamber, sir?”
Smith nodded and gestured toward the private room. They opened both doors to the bedroom and pulled the trunks in, and closed the doors gently when they came out. The young men paused in front of Smith. “Will there be anything else, Mr. Green?”
Smith placed coins in each of their up-turned palms. “No, but thank you, boys.”
They dipped their heads and slipped out the door.
Serafina waited until they were gone, then she turned, taking the luxurious room in. She twirled and landed on a small divan. “This is wonderful!”
“Yes. Being a Pinkerton Agent has it perks. Sometimes.” He sat across from her. “Seriously, do you want to lie down until your bath arrives?”
“I don’t think I could sleep right now. I’m too excited.” She giggled.
“Suit yourself.” He frowned and laid his head back on the divan. I may close my eyes for a few minutes. I never sleep well on trains.”
“Really? I wouldn’t know from your snoring.” She grinned mischievously and walked to the large bay window. Peering through the heavy curtains, she perused the city streets, store fronts, and balconies within her line of sight. Everything looked non-threatening. She closed the curtains and returned to the divan.
Smith’s rhythmic breathing had deepened. A soft rumble vibrated from his chest. He was asleep. Listening to him breathe gave her an odd feeling. She had never actually slept with a man. A few clients had fallen asleep from exhaustion while seated next to her. And of course there was last night, but she sat on the sofa in the train car while Smith slept in the berth.
But watching him sleep now in their luxury suite stirred such a sense of … intimacy in her heart. She could feel the heat of embarrassment rise in her cheeks. It was pleasant to sit here, with him, like this.
A soft sound rapped on the door. She jumped up, hoping not to disturb her partner. But he instantly woke and made it to the door before her. She hung back and let him open it. A plump woman, perhaps in her forties, curtsied. “My name is Angela, Sir. I’m a chamber maid sent to attend to Mrs. Green. And this is Ivan. He has her soaker. May we come in and set it up for your missus?”
“Of course.” Smith stood back to allow them through the door. Serafina hurried to the double doors of the bed chamber and opened them wide. “In here, please.”
Angela bobbed a curtsy to Serafina and gestured for Ivan to come with her. He pulled a clawfoot copper tub behind him. It seemed to float, rather than drag. Her eyes dropped to disks under each foot that kept it from gouging into the polished floor and helped it glide easily. Serafina wondered how he’d managed to carry it up the stairs. Did they have dumbwaiters like back home? Surely they did. The bell boys had managed to get to their door before they could. It only made sense that all the heavier things would be brought up by a pulley mechanism.
“Thank you.” Serafina followed them into the bed chambers. “I’ve been looking forward to this.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Angela kept her eyes down but gestured toward the common room. “Please, ma’am. Have a rest while Ivan and I get things ready.”
“Thank you, but I’d rather wait in here.” Serafina sat with a huge sigh in a reading chair beside the large bed. She anticipated sinking into the hot water, but her training made her wary of anyone she didn’t know personally in the private area.
Smith had not returned to the divan. He stood alert in the chamber doorway constantly watching Ivan and the maid. Did he anticipate they were trouble? Serafina looked from her husband to the huge man. A sense of relief filled her heart. He would protect her from any unforeseen danger from these two. She could relax.
Wait! What was she thinking? She knew it was best to always expect the unexpected. That had been driven into her training many years ago. It would be foolish of her to relax. Had she forgotten her most basic rule when undercover? Being with Todd Smith made her a sloppy agent. Relying on him instead of her own self would be a big mistake.
She needed to recompose and stay alert. Anger roiled in her gut. At herself… and at him. “If you’ll excuse me.” She positioned herself to close the doors with him in the common room. She whispered, “I’ll observe their preparations.”
He nodded, but his brow wrinkled over his nose. Did he sense her sudden animosity toward him? “You’re sure?”
She smiled but anger burned in her glare. “Yes. It’s not my first rodeo.”
Now he looked confused. “Did I do somethi—?”
“Of course not. Just don’t want to be caught unawares.”
She stepped back, closing the doors just as Angela finished filling the tub from a large copper pot that had been hidden in the paneled wall. Ingeni
us. A gas water heater in the chambers. Saved a lot of back breaking hauling boiled water up four flights of stairs, or up the dumbwaiter. “How convenient!” She exclaimed.
Angela smiled and Ivan bowed his head as if he were not supposed to be present. He self-consciously stepped sideways and bowed slightly, then nearly ran from the room. Angela chuckled. “He’s not comfortable around guests as pretty as you.”
Serafina felt a flush fill her face, but maintained her air of entitlement. After all, she had to remain in character. “Well, I suppose it’s not proper, and you asked me to wait, but I’m really anxious to get in that bath. I’m bone weary from the train ride.”
Angela sprinkled some rose scented oil in the water and added actual petals. They floated on the surface, inviting Serafina to come dive in. “Mmm. That smells nice.”
“Shall I stay to assist, ma’am.” Angela stood with her hands folded in front of her crisp white apron.
“No. That won’t be necessary. But thank you.” Serafina looked around for her reticule. She had exchanged pesos for American coins to tip when needed. But the reticule remained in the common room where she’d tossed it aside on the divan. Serafina opened the chamber room door and spoke loud enough for Smith to hear. “My husband will take care of your kindness before you leave.”
“Yes, ma’am.” She bobbed a curtsy and scurried from the room.
Serafina drew in a deep sigh as she closed the door. She could not wait to get into that rose scented water.
There was an hour and a half before dinner with Secretary Bristow. If she didn’t let her hair get wet while soaking, she’d have enough time to relax until the water went cold. She knew Smith would not sleep any more. He’d post guard while she enjoyed the luxurious bath. This time, she really could relax and let him be the agent in charge.
She could get used to this.
CHAPTER FIVE
When Serafina opened the chamber doors, Smith leapt to his feet. Not because he was startled, but because he had been waiting to get into his luggage and dress for dinner. However, when his eyes beheld his wife, dressed to the nine’s for dinner, he was speechless. The dark red silk under black lace gown enhanced every unique asset of her Louisiana-French heritage. Her beauty overwhelmed his senses. This… was his wife!